"AYURVEDA" is made up of two words-Ayuh and Veda. Ayuh means life and Veda means knowledge or science. Thus "AYURVEDA’ in totality means ‘Science of life’. It incorporates all aspects of life whether physical, psychological, spiritual or social. What is beneficial and what is harmful to life, what is happy life and what is sorrowful life; all these four questions and life span allied issues are elaborately and emphatically discussed in Ayurveda. It believes the existence of soul before birth and after death too.

Q. What is the origin of Ayurveda ?

Ayurveda, the ancient most health care system originated with the origin of universe. With the inception of human life on earth Ayurveda started being applied. The antique Vedic texts have scattered references of Ayurvedic Remedies and allied aspects of medicine and health. Atharvaveda mainly deals with extensive Ayurvedic information. That is why Ayurveda is said to be the off shoot of Atharvaveda.Written documents date more than 4000 years old.

Q. What is Ayurvedic viewpoint of structure and functions of body ?

Ayurveda believes that human body is a part of this universe and is likewise made up of five basic elements collectively called ‘Panch Mahabhootas’. These are Aakash (Ether), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Aapa (Water) and Prithvi (Earth). The sixth mandatory component of life is Atma (life spirit) without which life ceases. The human body is made up of Doshas (Bio-humours), Dhatus (7 Structural tissues or Body matrix) and Malas (extractable products). Vata, Pitta and Kapha, known as Tridoshs are physiological entities of the body which are responsible for carrying out all the functions of the body. Dhatus are the structural entities of the body. These are Rasa (Plasma), Rakta (Blood cells), Mamsa (Muscular tissue), Meda (Fatty tissue), Asthi (Bony tissue), Majja (Bone marrow) and Shukra (Hormonal and other secretions of genital). Agni (Metabolic fire) is in thirteen different forms and carries out the whole metabolism of the body. The waste products of the body, which are extractable, are produced in the body as bye-products of metabolism. These are known as malas which include pureesh (faeces), Sweda (sweat) and Mutra (urine). All bio-transformations within the body occur through Srotases (body channels) which are the sites for action of agni.

Q. What is the Ayurvedic approach for the prevention of diseases?

The concept of pathogenesis in Ayurveda is basically different from the modern medical science. Ayurveda defines health as the state in which the dhatus are in equilibrium if this is disturbed disease is caused. Therefore the prevention of vitiation of the doshas (3 biological forces) is the first step in prevention of diseases, whether agantuja (exogenous), nija (endogenous) or manasa( mental) in nature.

Q. What is the method of Diagnosis in Ayurveda?

Diagnostic procedures in Ayurveda are two pronged; one is aimed to establish the state and type of pathology and second to decide the mode of treatment to be applied. The former implies examination of the patient and make different investigations to diagnose the disease entity. Inspection, palpation, percussion and interrogation are the main modes of physical examination. The second type of examination is to assess the strength and physical status of the individual so that accordingly the type of management required could be planned. For this examination of Prakriti (Body constitution), Vikriti (Pathology),Saar (Tissue quality), Samhnan (physique),Pramaan (Proportions of the body), Satva (Mental strength), Satamya (specific adaptability), Aaharshakti (diet intake capacity), Vyayaam shakti (exercise capacity) and Vaya (age) is done. On the basis of this examination the individual is decided to be having Pravar bal (excellent strength), Madhyam Bal (moderate strength) or Heen Bal (low strength).
Physician also assess the Pulse,Urine,Stool,Tongue,Sounds,Touch, Eyes and Shape of the body.
Hence it’s a quite elaborate assessment, which an experienced Vaidya (an Ayurvedic doctor) can do in 20 – 30 minutes.

Q. Are there any side effects of the medication?

One of the greatest advantages of these medications is that there are absolutely no side effects of the treatment. The dietary guidelines and exercises are so designed that any average person can follow them without any major disruption to their lifestyle. The diet is advised according to the constitution of a person and the condition of disease. We place a great emphasis on making the treatment easy to follow, because that in turn ensures greater patient compliance.

Q. What are the kinds of restrictions associated with Ayurvedic treatment?

‘Pathya’ is the term to denote the diet regimen that forms an integral part of most treatments. For the proper assimilation of drugs as well as food the patient is advised to follow a new daily routine while undergoing treatment. A diet that might cause the opposite effect of the drug taken is to be avoided and that which increases the potency of the drug, to be followed. Since the drug-diet interaction is considered a significant factor, the physician decides on a suitable pathya after considering various factors like the nature of the illness, the constitution of the patient, his tolerance to various regimens and so on.

Q. Does Ayurvedic treatment take a long time to treat diseases?

No;this is a common misconception regarding Ayurveda.
The question you have to ask yourself is: are you looking for a quick fix or mere suppression of symptoms or are you actually seeking to dissolve the deep-rooted cause of the imbalance and rejuvenate deeply?

We recommend if you are looking for a quick fix or a quick suppression then Ayurveda is not the right modality for you. But if you are looking to get to the bottom of your imbalance then Ayurveda, in a relatively short time (you will be surprised) will begin to offer its benefits.
In reality, the time to heal any imbalance depends on various factors - age, type of disease, degree of imbalance, whether it is acute or chronic, how many doshas, tissues, organs and channels are involved in the disease process. If the disease is newly formed and is with a single dosha and tissue involvement, then Ayurveda can balance this condition very quickly. On the other hand if the condition is formed with the aggravation of two or three doshas, and if more organs and channels are involved, and it has become somewhat chronic then naturally, the treatment takes longer time to restore this imbalance.

Q. Is there any code of conduct for good manufacturing practices (GMP) in Ayurvedic Pharmacies?

Q. Which are the authentic texts, on which these health care products are based?

Q. What is the Ayurvedic view of skin and hair care?

Ayurveda emphasis the all important value of good diet as it creates good quality nourishment. (Rasa) which in turn will nourish blood (rakta) and subsequently influence the skin. Ayurveda says that skin diseases occur primarily due to sluggish liver function which leads to ‘pitta’ and ‘kapha’ dosha dysfunction. Another vital factor that contributes to healthy appearance is the clean bowel. Hence the need for regular and complete bowel evacuation.The hair is the metabolic end product of bone and marrow. Thus if thediet falls short of nourishing bones, the quantity of hair is affected. Similarly stress and worry leads to unhealthy hair. Wholesome diet is necessary for good skin and hair. Ayurvedic skin and hair care products are formulated with this fact in view.